PCB Layout CAD : Various Convenient Functions

Subtract

"Subtract" is a function which allows you to subtract "the second selected object" from "the first selected object". This is available in a PCB/panel/footprint sheet and useful when you want to remove unnecessary objects such as silk overlapping with solder resist.

Silk:Board Outline Plane:Silk Plane:Route

If you want to edit the objects in a footprint using "Subtract", they will be editable by checking the checkbox of "Enable Component Editing".

Subtracting (Silk:Board Outline)
The following explains how to cut silk that sticks out from board outline using the "Subtract" function.
(1) Select [Edit] -> [Subtract].
  * The menu is also selectable from the right-click menu.

 

(2) Specify a clearance in the Property window.

 

(3) Select silk as the first object.  
  => The first selected object will be cut by the second selected object.  
(4) Select board outline as the second object.  
  => The second selected object will cut the first selected object.  
The silk will be cut based on the specified clearance value.

 

 

Usage Example (Plane:Silk)
The following is how to subtract silk characters from a plane.
(1) Select a plane. (Ⓐ)
(2) Select silk characters. (Ⓑ)
  => The plane will be cut out based on the shape of silk characters.

 

Usage Example(Plane:Route)
The following is how to subtract a route from a plane.
(1) Select a plane. (Ⓐ)
(2) Select a route. (Ⓑ)
  => The plane will be cut out based on the shape of a route.

 

Selectable Objects in Each Selection

The following list shows the objects that can be selected in the first and second selections in Subtract mode.

Selectable Objects in First Selection

・Route  * A series of routes until a via, pad or junction is encountered will be selected.
・Plane (Dynamic/Static)
・Assembly Area
・Keep Out Area
・Design Rule Area
・Line  * Spread selection
・Rectangle
・Circle
・Arc
・Filled Objects

Selectable Objects in Second Selection

・Pad  * Selected object only
・Via * Selected object only
・Route  * A series of routes until a via, pad or junction is encountered will be selected.
・Plane (Dynamic/Static)
・Assembly Area
・Keep Out Area
・Design Rule Area
・Line  * Spread selection
・Rectangle
・Circle
・Arc
・Filled Objects
・Text (Text, Reference, Attribute Text)